8. Fatigue: More Than Simple Tiredness
Fatigue can be the wild card of symptoms, often dismissed as a natural outcome of a busy life. But when fatigue shows up in the IPMN landscape, it’s not just a matter of getting more sleep; it’s a cry for an investigation into your body’s internal workings.
One unique facet of IPMN-associated fatigue is its persistency. Unlike the exhaustion following a hectic day, this fatigue doesn’t resolve with rest or sleep. This difference is important, as it contradicts the everyday notion that fatigue can always be ‘cured’ by taking it easy.
Now, let’s touch on the mystery of ‘unjustified fatigue’—that is, fatigue that sets in even when there hasn’t been any noticeable physical exertion. In the context of IPMN, this is a paradox that demands explanation. The pancreas, which usually performs efficiently in energy production by aiding in the digestion of nutrients, is hindered by the presence of the IPMN tumor, leading to generalized fatigue. (8)
